Drew Brown runs for PC nomination in Dufferin-Caledon

Drew Brown

Speaking in Bolton last week, Drew Brown announced his intention to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the provincial riding of Dufferin-Caledon.

"I'm seeking our party's nomination because I know the issues and know we can do much better than the current government. I have the experience, the insight and the will to address the issues and make things better," Brown said.

Brown made his announcement in Caledon to illustrate his connections throughout the entire riding, and in Bolton specifically, to demonstrate his awareness of the changing needs of that community.

"I was born and raised in the area we now call the Headwaters," Brown said. "Growing up here, knowing its people, its history and its issues has helped shape me and instill values that have guided me all my life."

In fact, Brown's mother was born in Caledon and he's tried to be more visible in our area during his terms as Orangeville mayor. Brown also made an effort to repair a previous rift between the municipalities of Caledon and Orangeville when he was first elected mayor. His work with the Headwaters hospital foundation has brought him in contact with many Caledon volunteers and supporters.

Brown said he believes leadership and experience are the qualities that most set him apart from other candidates for the nomination, qualities that will be vitally important in winning the general election in 2007.

"We've got to remember the goal is to win in 2007," he said. "The Liberals showed in the recent Parkdale-High Park by-election that they'll stoop to anything in an effort to win. And I think they'll push to win this riding because they see it as prize, having most recently been held by the last Progressive Conservative premier, and the current leader of the party. There's real danger in Progressive Conservatives believing just any candidate can hold this seat for us.

"I've run in, and won, five elections. As a two-term mayor of Orangeville I know how to handle myself under pressure; I can think on my feet. I've been there when the opposition was willing to do anything to knock me off. I've been tested and proved I can deal effectively with whatever is thrown at me."

He added his style is to deal and confront the issues head-on, despite the potential for controversy.

Speaking to local issues, Brown said he would be a strong voice for Caledon in any discussions regarding the future of the Region of Peel.

"It's clear the McGuinty Liberals feel they have much more to gain by supporting Hazel McCallion than in doing what's right for the Region," he said. "I don't think they listened to anything Caledon or Brampton had to say about changes to the regional structure. The premier greeted Mayor McCallion with a hug and kiss, and kissedoff Caledon and Brampton."

Brown said transportation is a top issue throughout the riding.

"Every community is being forced to deal with long standing problems with roads. Caledon has serious needs throughout the town, ranging from the bypass here in Bolton to the widening of Highway 10 through Caledon Village. And there's also the issue of so many commuters from the north driving on Caledon roads which leads to increased maintenance cost for the Town."

Brown also cited support for agriculture, electricity supply, government accountability, waste management and provincial mandates that lead to increased property taxes as issues that must be addressed by the next government.

"We've got to act on behalf of our farmers. And not by re-announcing the same funding half a dozen times; a number that sounds good in the city but only amounts to a few cents an acre.

"Frankly, I don't have the answer, but I'm determined to help find one. I've been to a number of agriculture related forums and I've hosted farm appreciation events the past two years in Orangeville where I've come to understand the crisis our farmers are facing."

Brown said he wants to bring a new element to the issue of government accountability. He said that for him, accountability means doing what you say you will. But that it should also include a requirement for government to give reasons for why they do things. He said it's time to get back to the concept that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

Brown said this riding has been lucky to have had the representation from heavyweights Ernie Eves and John Tory. Brown said he took his time in deciding his intentions because he wanted to make sure he'd ben an effective voice for constituents.

Brown looks forward to discussing these issues and others as he and the other candidates move toward the nomination meeting in Orangeville Jan. 13, 2007.

Brown is a fund-raising consultant who has worked for a wide variety of charitable causes. He served three terms as councillor and two terms as mayor of Orangeville. In 1992, he was awarded the Canada 125 Medal by the Governor General for "significant contributions to fellow citizens and community." He was the charter president of the Orangeville-Highlands Rotary Club.

For more information, contact him at 519- 941-5331.